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Outcomes Of A Dislodged Tooth

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A healthy tooth remains secure in its position unless a traumatic force knocks it out of place. People who play contact sports, suffer a fall, or even grind their teeth at night may dislodge a tooth.

When a tooth is knocked or moved from its socket, there are several outcomes that may transpire. Here are two of them.

The Tooth Is Reinserted

If a dislodged tooth is carefully preserved before your arrival at the dental office, the dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth. Over time, the soft tissues around the tooth may reattach to it. Additionally, the bone cells within the jaw may grow around the reinserted tooth.

Still, in order for the dislodged tooth to remain viable, special precautions should be taken to protect it. The tooth should never be scrubbed or washed with a cleaning agent once it has been knocked from the mouth. Instead, it should only be gently rinsed to preserve the sensitive bits of soft tissue that may still be attached to it.

Also, the tooth should be transported to the dental office in the pocket of an inner cheek within the mouth, in a glass of milk, or positioned in its socket. The longer a tooth remains out of the mouth or milk, the greater the chance that the tooth will not be able to be permanently reinserted in the socket.

The Tooth Is Replaced With a Dental Implant

If a tooth is lost, it can be replaced by a life-like replica. The most natural-looking option for a single tooth replacement is a dental implant. An implant-based restoration can replace the tooth's roots and crown.

The implant itself is a prosthetic tooth root. It is positioned in the jawbone, where a natural tooth root normally lies. The implant is surgically inserted into the bone during an in-office procedure. Once the device has been placed, it integrates with the jawbone as the bone cells grow around it.

The integration of the implant with the bone is usually complete within a few months. After the implant wound has sufficiently healed, the gums around the implant are sculpted to offer a natural appearance. The implant is also fitted with an abutment. During the final step in the tooth replacement, the implant is covered with a dental crown. The crown can be matched to the color of your other teeth for a seamless restoration.

If you have dislodged a tooth, contact the office of a dentist or a company like Dental Design SD in your local area.


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